108 Names of Lord Shiva: Chant, Benefits, and Divine Significance
Lord Shiva, the Supreme Being in Hinduism, represents the essence of transformation and cosmic energy. Revered as the destroyer and transformer among the Holy Trinity (Trimurti), Lord Shiva embodies stillness and motion, meditation and action, creation and destruction. One of the most sacred practices to honor Lord Shiva is chanting His 108 names — a spiritually enriching tradition followed by millions across the world.
In this blog, we explore the divine meanings of the 108 Names of Lord Shiva, the benefits of chanting, how to chant properly, and why this practice holds such a sacred place in the hearts of devotees.
Why 108 Names of Lord Shiva?
In Hinduism, the number 108 holds immense spiritual significance. There are 108 energy lines (nadis) converging to form the heart chakra, 108 Upanishads, and even the distance between the Sun and Earth is about 108 times the Sun's diameter. Chanting 108 Names of Lord Shiva aligns our being with the cosmic vibrations and enhances our spiritual journey.
Chant Lord Shiva’s 108 Names (Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali)
Here is the sacred list of 108 Names of Lord Shiva, also known as Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali:
| No. | Name (Sanskrit) | Meaning (English) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Om Shivaya Namah | The pure one |
| 2 | Om Maheshwaraya Namah | The great lord |
| 3 | Om Shambhave Namah | The benevolent |
| 4 | Om Pinakine Namah | Wielder of the trident |
| 5 | Om Shashishekharaya Namah | Moon-crested |
| 6 | Om Vamadevaya Namah | The gentle one |
| 7 | Om Virupakshaya Namah | Lord with a distorted eye |
| 8 | Om Kapardine Namah | Lord with matted hair |
| 9 | Om Nilalohitaya Namah | Blue and red-colored Lord |
| 10 | Om Shankaraya Namah | Giver of happiness |
| 11 | Om Chandrapalaya Namah | Lord who wears the moon |
| 12 | Om Kapaline Namah | Lord with a skull in hand |
| 13 | Om Haraaya Namah | Remover of sins |
| 14 | Om Tripurantakaya Namah | Destroyer of the three cities |
| 15 | Om Vrishankaya Namah | Bull-bannered |
| 16 | Om Vrishabharudaya Namah | Rider of the bull |
| 17 | Om Bhasmodhulitavigrahaya Namah | Covered in sacred ash |
| 18 | Om Samapriyaya Namah | Lover of equality |
| 19 | Om Sureshaya Namah | Lord of the gods |
| 20 | Om Gangadharaya Namah | Bearer of the Ganga |
| 21 | Om Lalatakshaya Namah | One with a third eye |
| 22 | Om Kalakalaya Namah | Destroyer of time |
| 23 | Om Kripaya Namah | The compassionate |
| 24 | Om Bhaktavatsalaya Namah | Beloved of devotees |
| 25 | Om Mrityunjayaya Namah | Conqueror of death |
| 26 | Om Sukshmatmanaya Namah | Subtle soul |
| 27 | Om Jagadvyapine Namah | All-pervading |
| 28 | Om Jagadgurave Namah | Guru of the universe |
| 29 | Om Vyomakeshaya Namah | Sky-haired |
| 30 | Om Mahasenajanakaya Namah | Father of Kartikeya |
| 31 | Om Charuvikramaya Namah | Of graceful valor |
| 32 | Om Rudraya Namah | The fierce one |
| 33 | Om Bhutapataye Namah | Lord of beings |
| 34 | Om Sthanave Namah | Eternal |
| 35 | Om Ahirbudhnyaya Namah | Deep as the cosmic serpent |
| 36 | Om Digambaraya Namah | Clothed with directions |
| 37 | Om Ashutoshaya Namah | Easily pleased |
| 38 | Om Girishaya Namah | Lord of mountains |
| 39 | Om Anaghaya Namah | Sinless |
| 40 | Om Bhuvanapaya Namah | Creator of the worlds |
| 41 | Om Bhaktimataam Varaya Namah | Best among devotees |
| 42 | Om Bhavyaya Namah | Auspicious and gracious |
| 43 | Om Bhavagamyaya Namah | Attainable through devotion |
| 44 | Om Bhavanaya Namah | The creator |
| 45 | Om Bhavaya Namah | Source of all |
| 46 | Om Prabhave Namah | The radiant Lord |
| 47 | Om Pravaraya Namah | The supreme |
| 48 | Om Varadaya Namah | Granter of boons |
| 49 | Om Varenyaya Namah | The most adored |
| 50 | Om Sumukhaya Namah | Pleasant-faced |
| 51 | Om Sukshmaya Namah | The subtle one |
| 52 | Om Sugandhaya Namah | Fragrant |
| 53 | Om Suhride Namah | True friend |
| 54 | Om Mandaradarine Namah | Holder of the Mandara mountain |
| 55 | Om Mridaya Namah | The gracious |
| 56 | Om Maharshaye Namah | The great sage |
| 57 | Om Mahadevaaya Namah | The great god |
| 58 | Om Avyayaaya Namah | Imperishable |
| 59 | Om Haraya Namah | The remover |
| 60 | Om Pushadantabhitaya Namah | Terror to Pushadanta |
| 61 | Om Avyagraya Namah | Unchanging |
| 62 | Om Dakshadhwaraharaya Namah | Destroyer of Daksha’s sacrifice |
| 63 | Om Haraya Namah | The destroyer |
| 64 | Om Bhaganetrabhidya Namah | One who destroyed Bhaga’s eye |
| 65 | Om Avyayaya Namah | The eternal |
| 66 | Om Tejase Namah | Full of radiance |
| 67 | Om Maheshaya Namah | The supreme ruler |
| 68 | Om Ganadhipaya Namah | Lord of ganas (attendants) |
| 69 | Om Vishalakshaya Namah | Wide-eyed |
| 70 | Om Vrishabadhvajaya Namah | Bull-bannered |
| 71 | Om Ugraya Namah | The terrible |
| 72 | Om Kapaline Namah | Skull-bearer |
| 73 | Om Kamaraye Namah | Destroyer of desire |
| 74 | Om Andhakasurasudanaya Namah | Slayer of the demon Andhaka |
| 75 | Om Gangaadharaaya Namah | Holder of the Ganges |
| 76 | Om Lalatakshaya Namah | Third-eyed |
| 77 | Om Kalakalaya Namah | Time beyond time |
| 78 | Om Kripaya Namah | The merciful |
| 79 | Om Mrityunjayaya Namah | Victor over death |
| 80 | Om Sukshmatmane Namah | Of subtle essence |
| 81 | Om Jagatapataye Namah | Lord of the world |
| 82 | Om Jagadgurave Namah | Teacher of the world |
| 83 | Om Vyomakeshaya Namah | Whose hair is the sky |
| 84 | Om Mahasenajanakaya Namah | Father of Lord Kartikeya |
| 85 | Om Charuvikramaya Namah | Of beautiful stride |
| 86 | Om Rudraya Namah | Fierce and mighty |
| 87 | Om Bhutapataye Namah | Lord of all creatures |
| 88 | Om Ahirbudhnyaya Namah | Deep as the ocean |
| 89 | Om Digambaraya Namah | Naked Lord, clothed in space |
| 90 | Om Ashutoshaya Namah | Easily satisfied |
| 91 | Om Girishaya Namah | Lord of the Himalayas |
| 92 | Om Anaghaya Namah | The sinless |
| 93 | Om Bhuvanapaya Namah | Creator of the universe |
| 94 | Om Bhaktimataam Varaya Namah | Chief among devotees |
| 95 | Om Bhavyaya Namah | The beautiful |
| 96 | Om Bhavanaya Namah | The nurturer |
| 97 | Om Bhavaya Namah | The originator |
| 98 | Om Prabhave Namah | The supreme Lord |
| 99 | Om Pravaraya Namah | Eminent among the best |
| 100 | Om Varadaya Namah | Granter of wishes |
| 101 | Om Varenyaya Namah | The most excellent |
| 102 | Om Sumukhaya Namah | Lord with a beautiful face |
| 103 | Om Sugandhaya Namah | Fragrant one |
| 104 | Om Suhridaya Namah | Kind-hearted |
| 105 | Om Mandaradarine Namah | Holder of the Mandara |
| 106 | Om Mridaya Namah | The kind-hearted one |
| 107 | Om Mahadevaaya Namah | The greatest God |
| 108 | Om SadaShivaya Namah | The eternal auspicious one |
How to Chant the 108 Names of Lord Shiva
Chanting can be done either silently (manasika japa), whispered (upamsu japa), or aloud (vaikhari japa), depending on your environment and spiritual level. Here’s a simple method:
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Choose a peaceful place – ideally near a Shivling or a photo of Lord Shiva.
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Use a Rudraksha mala – with 108 beads for counting.
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Begin with a prayer – like "Om Namah Shivaya."
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Chant slowly and mindfully – feel each name’s vibration and meaning.
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Close with gratitude – offer flowers, incense, or simply a heartfelt thank you.
Consistency and faith are the keys. Even if you chant a few names daily, the divine energy will start guiding your life.
Benefits of Chanting 108 Names of Lord Shiva
Chanting the 108 names of Lord Shiva isn't just a spiritual practice; it's a holistic tool for mind, body, and soul alignment. Here are some key benefits:
1. Mental Peace and Clarity
Chanting Lord Shiva's names calms the mind, eases anxiety, and brings inner peace. It is especially beneficial for people facing stress, confusion, or depression.
2. Spiritual Awakening
Regular chanting helps you connect with higher consciousness. It stimulates the Ajna Chakra (third eye) and Sahasrara Chakra (crown), leading to spiritual growth.
3. Health Benefits
The vibrations created during chanting have a healing effect on the body. Chanting Shiva's names can regulate blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and improve sleep.
4. Protection from Negative Energies
Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer of evil. Chanting His names creates a shield of divine energy that protects you from negativity, black magic, and ill intentions.
5. Karma Cleansing
Chanting Shiva’s names helps in purifying past karmas. It allows you to let go of guilt, anger, and ego – making your soul lighter.
6. Success and Prosperity
When done with devotion, chanting aligns your intentions with cosmic will. Many devotees believe it opens doors to success, wealth, and better relationships.
7. Devotional Bliss
Above all, chanting these sacred names fills your heart with love and devotion. It brings joy, contentment, and a feeling of divine connection.
Conclusion
The 108 Names of Lord Shiva are more than just a list — they are mantras infused with cosmic power, spiritual symbolism, and transformative energy. By regularly chanting these names, we invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings into our lives — be it for peace, protection, healing, or enlightenment.
No matter your background or faith, if you seek inner strength and divine guidance, chanting these names can become a soul-nourishing practice. Let Lord Shiva’s energy flow through your life and witness the transformation.
So the next time life feels overwhelming, just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and start with the timeless chant:
"Om Namah Shivaya" – and let the magic unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can beginners chant the 108 names of Lord Shiva?
A. Yes, anyone with faith and devotion can chant. You can start with listening or chanting a few names daily and gradually build your practice.
Q2. What is the best time to chant Lord Shiva’s names?
A. The Brahma Muhurta (4 AM – 6 AM) is ideal, especially on Mondays or during the Shravan month and Maha Shivratri. However, chanting with pure intention at any time brings blessings.
Q3. Do I need to follow any rituals before chanting?
A. While basic cleanliness is encouraged, there’s no strict rule. You can offer water, flowers, or light a diya, but most importantly, chant with sincerity and devotion.
Q4. Can I chant the names silently?
A. Yes. Silent chanting (manasika japa) is powerful and especially effective if done with full focus. You can also use a Rudraksha mala for mental counting.
Q5. What if I mispronounce any name while chanting?
A. Intention matters more than perfection. Lord Shiva is known as Ashutosh — easily pleased. Chant with love and sincerity, and the Divine will understand.
Also Read:- Lord Shiva's Father and Mother || Masik Shivratri
